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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES IT HURT ?
This is really the answer that everybody wants, and probably what we are asked the most. The use of needles can seem daunting and we want to reassure you that at Thrive Acupuncture we understand this and want to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable. Acupuncture is not like getting an injection and the needles we use are flexible and very fine and thin - about the same thickness as two human hairs. There is usually only a slight sensation as it enters the skin and patients can feel a dull ache, tingle or heaviness on the acupuncture point which only lasts a few seconds and is not considered to be uncomfortable. As strange as it sounds most patients find acupuncture relaxing and feel very calm during a treatment.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?
Your initial visit will be longer than usual and take up to an hour and a half, this is so a personal and medical consultation can be taken. This will cover your family history, lifestyle, systems functions (eg. sleep, appetite) and full details of your current complaint/s and any test or investigations that you have had. You will also have the opportunity to discuss in complete confidence any concerns or troubles you may currently be dealing with. After your consultation we will carry out a number of short non-invasive physical diagnostic tests including blood pressure, temperature distribution and pulse taking. In most cases, this is then followed by your first treatment. Subsequent appointments take up to one hour.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED ?
This will depend on a number of different factors, such as how long you have had the condition and how many different complaints you have. Acupuncture is a individual medicine with bespoke treatments planned for your specific needs, generally longer and more complex conditions will require more sessions, usually a minimum of five, whilst more acute recent issues may be resolved much more quickly. We can give an indication after your initial assessment and and a treatment plan can be agreed together which is reviewed at each session. The goal is to create a plan together, to get you feeling the best you can.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST TREATMENT?
Wear clothes that are loose and easy to remove so that acupuncture points that are located all over your body can be easily accessed. We also ask that you eat before attending an appointment. Please, please don't worry about shaving, the state of your feet or that its the end of the day and you aren't freshly showered ! I